Microsoft Promises 'Biggest Update Yet' for Xbox One

Microsoft is prepping the biggest software update yet for the Xbox One.

The November upgrade, "a completely re-imagined Xbox One, inspired by your feedback, brings the fastest and most social Xbox experience ever," Microsoft said in a statement.

The changes will gradually roll out to Preview members who opt in, starting with those who have historically submitted the most feedback. Look for an Xbox Live message with your invitation, which will launch the Xbox Preview Dashboard and begin registration.

Those preview members will then have access to the new backward-compatibility function announced at E3. More than 100 Xbox 360 titles will be playable on Xbox One this fall, with more scheduled for the coming months.

Also on tap for November's massive update is a new Guide, where you can access friends, start a party, get to settings, see system notifications, view messages, and more; just press left or double tap the Xbox button on the controller from Home.

Don't be surprised, though, if the Home screen looks a bit different: Redmond is introducing a faster, easier interface with access to recently used games and apps.

Another new feature is the Community section, designed to make Xbox One even more social. See what other gamers are doing on Xbox Live, contribute to conversations happening in the community, and keep track of friends and games you follow in the redesigned Activity Feed.

"At Xbox, we put games and gamers at the center of everything we do. We are inspired by your passion and continue to listen to your input," said Mike Ybarra, director of program management. "The New Xbox One Experience will be powered by Windows 10, elevating the gaming experience."

The Xbox One also serves as a set-top box for streaming entertainment, so the revamped OneGuide will highlight trending live TV shows with the most Xbox viewers, instantly show TV listings in full-screen, and allow for picture-in-picture mode.

Microsoft also promised an improved store with a vertical gallery view for better browsing, among other things.

The news comes amidst reports that Microsoft is cutting back on the number of preview members it is accepting, though Redmond has not made any announcements.